Consumers Energy Customers Get Predictable Payments With Monthly Budget Plan

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Apr 26, 2010, 06:30 ET

JACKSON, Mich., April 26 /PRNewswire/ -- While Michigan's weather may be unpredictable, Consumers Energy customers looking for certainty can benefit by enrolling in the monthly Budget Plan.

Under Consumers Energy's Budget Plan, customers take the guesswork out of their monthly bill by paying an equal amount each time for electric and natural gas service. The monthly amount is based on past energy usage, fuel costs and projected temperatures. More than 450,000 Consumers Energy customers are enrolled in the Budget Plan.

"The Budget Plan is popular because it offers customers an opportunity to manage their energy costs by paying an equal amount each month. Many of our customers like having a set amount to help manage their family budget," said Tom O'Masta, executive manager of customer operations.

Customers can enroll in the Budget Plan at Consumers Energy's Website: www.consumersenergy.com Customers can also enroll by checking a box featured on their Consumers Energy bill received in May. An insert will be included with May bills that describes the program in detail.

Eligible customers will find their monthly Budget Plan payment amount listed on their May bills. The exact amount will vary from customer to customer. The Budget Plan payment for an average residential electric customer will be about $92 per month. The average residential customer will pay about $115 per month for their natural gas service.

Customers must have their bill payments up to date to enroll. Customers may enroll in the Budget Plan after May, but monthly payments will be slightly higher because there will be fewer months to spread out the energy costs. Customers also can enroll by calling Consumers Energy's toll-free number, 1-800-477-5050.

O'Masta also noted that the Budget Plan works well with the free and convenient Direct Pay and online recurring debit and credit card payment options. Customers who choose this option receive their energy bill electronically via an e-mail link. The payment is deducted automatically each month from the designated financial account or debit/credit card.

"Customers who pay their Consumers Energy bill electronically do themselves and the environment a favor," noted O'Masta. "Using our eBill service reduces your carbon footprint. It's convenient and saves on postage and paper." Customers can enroll in this program through Consumers Energy's website at www.consumersenergy.com/eservices

Consumers Energy, the principal subsidiary of CMS Energy, provides natural gas and electricity to nearly 6.5 million of Michigan's 10 million residents in all 68 Lower Peninsula counties.

For more information about Consumers Energy, visit our Website at www.consumersenergy.com

SOURCE Consumers Energy